Axios: US-Iran Contacts Amid Denials

According to an Axios report, a communication channel between the US and Iran has been reactivated through US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This information comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.

The content of the messages remains unclear, and there are conflicting reports about who made the first move to restart the talks.

Abbas Araghchi denied the report via a post on X, stating that his last contact with Mr. Witkoff was before a military attack on Iran.

A US official claimed that Araghchi was the one who sought communication, while US President Donald Trump stated that Iran has contacted the United States, but it remains unclear whether the officials are authorized to negotiate.

Trump did not rule out the possibility of talks with Iran, while a senior US official rejected Tehran's request for "compensation."

Iranian officials have stated that they are not conducting ceasefire negotiations and are seeking guarantees for a permanent peace agreement.